Chinese automaker Deepal has expanded its S09 lineup with a strategic new varian

Chinese automaker Deepal has expanded its S09 lineup with a strategic new variant that aims to deliver premium features at a more accessible price point. On March 24th, the brand launched the rear-wheel-drive Ultra Extended Range version priced at 259,900 RMB ($35,850 USD), positioning it 20,000 RMB below the Ultra+ Extended Range model while actually adding equipment rather than stripping features away.

This marks an interesting move in the increasingly competitive large SUV segment, where Deepal is challenging established players with an extended-range electric vehicle that promises luxury amenities without the luxury price tag. The new variant sits strategically in the middle of Deepal’s S09 range, offering buyers a compelling alternative to both entry-level and top-tier configurations.

For comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in China’s EV market and how vehicles like the S09 are reshaping consumer expectations, visit AI Tools & API Access for the latest EV insights and technical breakdowns of emerging automotive technologies.

Key Features & Specs

The Deepal S09 Ultra Extended Range is built on an impressive physical foundation, measuring 5,205mm in length, 1,996mm in width, and 1,800mm in height, with a substantial 3,105mm wheelbase. These dimensions put it in direct competition with vehicles like the Li Auto L9, firmly establishing its credentials as a large SUV capable of accommodating families in genuine comfort. The six-seat configuration with captain’s chairs in the second row maximizes both luxury and practicality.

Inside the cabin, Deepal has spared no expense on technology and comfort features. The dashboard features dual 15.6-inch 2.5K resolution displays paired with a massive 43-inch AR-HUD head-up display system. The HarmonySpace 5 cockpit system powered by Huawei’s HarmonyOS creates what Deepal calls “immersive multifunctional spaces,” including private cinema mode, premium music hall settings, and family karaoke room configurations. Supporting these experiences is a 20-speaker premium audio system that rivals setups found in vehicles costing significantly more.

Comfort amenities are equally impressive across both rows. Front seats feature 8-point massage functions along with ventilation and heating, while second-row passengers enjoy their own heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. A 21.4-inch LCD entertainment screen keeps rear passengers entertained on longer journeys. The chassis features 70mm height-adjustable air suspension paired with CDC continuously variable damping control, ensuring the large SUV can adapt its ride characteristics to different driving conditions and surface qualities.

Market Position & Competition

The most significant technical differentiator between this new Ultra variant and the more expensive Ultra+ Extended Range model is the removal of the lidar sensor. However, Deepal has ensured that the vehicle still retains Huawei ADS high-speed assisted driving functionality, meaning buyers sacrifice some sensor redundancy but maintain access to advanced highway driving assistance features. This represents a carefully calculated cost-cutting measure that preserves the core technology most buyers will use regularly while reducing manufacturing expenses.

At 259,900 RMB, the S09 Ultra Extended Range positions itself aggressively against both traditional premium SUVs and newer EV competitors. The 20,000 RMB discount compared to the Ultra+ variant makes it particularly attractive for buyers who want extended-range capability and premium features but don’t require the absolute top-tier autonomous driving hardware. In a market where consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated about which technologies they actually need versus which sound impressive in marketing materials, this pragmatic approach could prove highly successful.

The extended-range powertrain addresses one of the primary concerns Chinese buyers have about pure electric vehicles: range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations outside major cities. By combining meaningful electric-only range with the flexibility of a range extender, Deepal offers practical transportation for families who take regular road trips while still delivering zero-emission urban commuting.

Should You Buy One?

The powertrain specifications reveal why extended-range electric vehicles continue gaining traction in China. The 1.5-turbocharged range extender works in conjunction with the electric motor to deliver 231 kilowatts of combined power and 375 Newton-meters of torque. While the 7.9-second 0-100 km/h acceleration time won’t set records, it’s entirely adequate for a family SUV of this size and weight. The 310-kilometer pure electric range covers most daily driving needs without firing up the range extender, while the WLTC-rated fuel consumption of just 6.6 liters per 100km when operating in hybrid mode ensures reasonable running costs on longer trips.

The battery technology deserves special mention, as Deepal has equipped the vehicle with CATL’s “Golden Bell Shield” lithium iron phosphate battery pack featuring 5C fast charging capability. This translates to genuinely impressive charging speeds: the battery can charge from 30% to 80% in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. For context on how battery technology and charging infrastructure are evolving across the EV industry, automotive technology resources at AI Tools & API Access provide detailed technical comparisons and market analysis that help buyers understand real-world charging performance beyond manufacturer claims.

The value proposition becomes even clearer when considering the complete package. Buyers receive a vehicle with dimensions and presence comparable to six-figure SUVs, comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems, premium materials and build quality, and running costs substantially lower than traditional internal combustion equivalents. The six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs appeals specifically to Chinese family buyers who prioritize comfort and status in equal measure.

Verdict

Deepal’s strategy with the S09 Ultra Extended Range demonstrates sophisticated market understanding. Rather than simply creating a stripped-down budget variant, the company has identified which premium features buyers actually value and which represent unnecessary cost additions for most customers. The removal of lidar while retaining Huawei’s highway assistance systems suggests careful analysis of how customers actually use these technologies in real-world conditions.

The extended-range powertrain continues to prove its relevance in markets where charging infrastructure remains inconsistent outside major urban centers, and where buyers take regular long-distance trips to visit family or explore tourist destinations. Combined with genuinely fast charging when using compatible infrastructure, the S09 Ultra Extended Range offers flexibility that pure EVs still struggle to match for many use cases. At its price point of $35,850 USD for the Chinese market, this variant represents compelling value in the large SUV segment, delivering technology, comfort, and practicality that should appeal to families ready to embrace electrification without sacrificing convenience.